Who painted Our Christmas Turkey, Mr. Bobsby Concerned?

Our Christmas Turkey, Mr. Bobsby Concerned was painted by Charles Samuel Keene in 1868.

Where can I see Our Christmas Turkey, Mr. Bobsby Concerned?

Our Christmas Turkey, Mr. Bobsby Concerned is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is Our Christmas Turkey, Mr. Bobsby Concerned?

Our Christmas Turkey, Mr. Bobsby Concerned is associated with Impressionism.

Artwork

Our Christmas Turkey, Mr. Bobsby Concerned

Charles Samuel Keene , 1868

Our Christmas Turkey, Mr. Bobsby Concerned is a print by the Impressionist artist Charles Samuel Keene. It dates from 1868 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. Our Christmas Turkey, Mr.

About this work

Overview

Our Christmas Turkey, Mr. Bobsby Concerned (1868) is a print by Charles Samuel Keene, currently in the collection of The Cleveland Museum of Art. The work captures a moment of domestic tension through a carefully composed interior scene.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts Mr. Bobsby, a suited figure standing anxiously by a doorway, his concern palpable. Nearby, a group of men converse, oblivious to his distress. The scene implies a narrative of personal worry or conflict within a familial or social gathering, potentially related to the Christmas turkey, which is not visually present but implied as a source of anxiety.

Technique & Style

Keene employs chiaroscuro to create depth, focusing attention on Mr. Bobsby. Realistic techniques and meticulous detail enhance the authenticity of the domestic setting, characteristic of Keene's observational style.

History & Provenance

Created in 1868, the print is part of The Cleveland Museum of Art's collection, though specific acquisition details are not provided here.

Context

The work reflects Victorian-era domestic life and the pressures associated with hosting celebrations like Christmas. The absence of the turkey in the image contrasts with the title, highlighting Mr. Bobsby's concern over its preparation or presence.

Legacy

While not widely discussed in broad art historical narratives, 'Our Christmas Turkey, Mr. Bobsby Concerned' contributes to the body of Victorian-era social commentary through art, offering a glimpse into the anxieties of middle-class life during the period.